Fundamental Unit of Society

Elder Albetson and Elder Tibubos joined the Angleton ward this last week as my companions. Elder Scott is back in Houston teaching in Vietnamese. With each companion I learn new insights and ways of teaching. This past week for whatever reason we've had ample opportunities to testify of the importance of the family in God's plan of happiness. We've passed out many proselyting cards with the picture of the Salt Lake Temple and have explained that families can be sealed in these houses of worship for time and eternity. Great blessings are found in the House of the Lord. 

The family seems to be the ne plus ultra of the Mormon community. We are taught young. Primary children grow up singing "families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan". We read from The Family: A Proclamation to the World that "the divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in Holy Temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally". We realize the family is the most important social unit this world has to offer (D&C 49:15-16). But the idea that we can be linked to our families after this life didn't originate in these latter days. 

Jesus Christ gave the keys (or authority) to bind on earth and in heaven (Matthew 16:19). This responsibility gave the Apostle Peter the opportunity to bind ordinances that took place on earth in heaven as well. This includes marriage and the child parent relationship. If someone is married civilly for example their marriage is "until death do you part". Or in other words the marriage was bound on earth and not in Heaven. Through the authority of the priesthood Jesus gave, this marriage can last past this life and on into the eternities. The authority was given in these last days to Joseph Smith. This is recorded in the 132 section of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

"For I have conferred upon you the keys and power of of the priesthood, wherein I restore all things, and make known unto you all things in due time. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in Heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens". 

The authority continues in an unbroken line of Prophets to this day.

The greatest joys and best memories of life are found within the family. It is no wonder God places strict commandments within the family unit. If these commandments are ignored the family disintegrates and our community and world suffers the consequence. At this opportune time I express my gratitude to you specifically Mom. Thank you! And equally so with Dad! I suppose that goes for everyone else as well! 

The spirit of Elijah is real-- " he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6).

Take care now, I love you